Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
