Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip will be here shortly to guide you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. 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 managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
