Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming 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.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
