Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
