Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok 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: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
