Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
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 Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
