Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
