Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
The author will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
