Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
