Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Period

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.

Countdown

The last moments has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate 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: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.