Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 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 grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
