Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.