Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
