Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. 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 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
