Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
