Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates

Preamble

The author is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Track Information

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The final countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.