Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates

Preamble

Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.