Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
