Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates

Introduction

Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Period

The formation lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.

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, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.