Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates

Introduction

Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Formation Lap Period

The formation 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 Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

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

Starting Positions

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.