Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Philip will be here shortly to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 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, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
