Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
