Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead 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 start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
