Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates

Introduction

Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Period

The formation lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft points out.

Final Moments

The last moments is on.

Driver Situation

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.