Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
