Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
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, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. 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 his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
