Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with 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 help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
