Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates

Opening Notes

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

Current Events

Formation Lap Time

The formation lap has begun.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The last moments is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, 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 the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, 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 only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.