Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
