Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.