Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
