Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out 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.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short 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 awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
