Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage

Opening Notes

Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Live Feed

Starting Lap Time

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft points out.

Final Moments

The last moments is on.

Driver Situation

One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

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

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.