Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
