Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
