Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.