Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates

Introduction

Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Live Feed

Starting Lap Time

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

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

Countdown

The countdown is on.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

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

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.