Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
