Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Opening Notes

The author is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Live Feed

Warm-Up Lap Time

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft reminds us.

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and 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

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.