Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
