Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's 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," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
