Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last 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. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – 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 remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
