Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 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-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
