Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.