🔗 Share this article Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates Opening Notes Philip is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm). Real-Time Updates Starting Lap Period The starting lap has begun. Circuit Details There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us. Countdown The countdown has begun. Driver Situation An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver. Media Conversations Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes. The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role. Grid Details Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area. The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise. Racer Statements "We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that. Team Standings It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader. Past Performance Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick. Short Race Importance Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season. Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.