Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.