Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates

Preamble

Philip will be here shortly to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The warm-up lap has started.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.

Countdown

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 one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning 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 dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.