Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's 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, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with 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 help them achieve that from the front row, 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 attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
