Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
