Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. 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 awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
