🔗 Share this article Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage Opening Notes Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT). Real-Time Updates Warm-Up Lap Time The warm-up lap has begun. Track Information We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us. Countdown The last moments is underway. Driver Situation One point in Max Verstappen's favour: 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 speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes. The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal. Grid Details Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last 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 Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise. Racer Statements "We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning. Constructors' Championship The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen. Past Performance Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick. Short Race Importance Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season. Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.