Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren 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 begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value 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 claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
