Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was 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 did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.