Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage

Preamble

Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Current Events

Starting Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Track Information

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.

Countdown

The final countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

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

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming 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 Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.

Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.