Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.