Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage

Preamble

Philip will be here shortly to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Time

The formation lap has begun.

Circuit Details

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

Countdown

The last moments has begun.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

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

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.