Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
