Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. 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 forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
