Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
