Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
The author is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
