Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage

Opening Notes

Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (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 1, David Croft points out.

Countdown

The last moments is underway.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

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

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars 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 position in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

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

Sprint Race Value

Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.