Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian 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, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.