Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
