Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
