🔗 Share this article Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates Opening Notes Philip is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT). Live Feed Starting Lap Period The starting lap has started. Track Information We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out. Final Moments The final countdown is on. Racer Positions An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man. Media Conversations Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes. The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal. Starting Positions Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane. Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise. Racer Statements "We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that. Constructors' Championship It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader. Past Performance Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago. Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.