Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. 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. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
