Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage

Introduction

Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The warm-up lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.