Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance 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 Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
