Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
