Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result 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 Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
