Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
