Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, 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, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.