Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
