Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari 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 duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
