Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Live Feed

Starting Lap Time

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The countdown is on.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted 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 Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.