Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
