Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
