Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates

Introduction

Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

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Formation Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.

Final Moments

The final countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, 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 itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.