Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage

Introduction

Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The formation lap has started.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.

Final Moments

The countdown is on.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, 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 Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.