π Share this article Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates Introduction The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT). Live Feed Warm-Up Lap Period The starting lap has started. Circuit Details There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us. Final Moments The final countdown has begun. Driver Situation An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man. Media Conversations Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes. Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role. Grid Details There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane. The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Driver Comments "We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect 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 this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader. Past Performance Piastri won that day β as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago. The driver wins the championship following PΓ©rez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.