Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
