Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
