Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
