Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
