Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Period

The warm-up lap is underway.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

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

Starting Positions

Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

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 the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.

Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.