Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
