Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
