Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, 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. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
