Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front 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 at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after PĂ©rez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
