Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
