Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
