Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Preamble
The author will be here shortly to guide you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted 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 take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.