Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience 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 dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
