Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
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, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
