Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
