Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
