Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
The author will be here shortly to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
