Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
