Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front 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 at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
