Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates

Opening Notes

Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Live Feed

Warm-Up Lap Period

The starting lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown is on.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

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

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.