Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
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, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
