Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated 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 help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
