Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
