Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, 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 the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
