Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
