Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage

Introduction

The author will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Period

The warm-up lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.

Countdown

The final countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles 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 grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.