🔗 Share this article Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates Introduction Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm). Real-Time Updates Warm-Up Lap Period The formation lap has started. Circuit Details We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft reminds us. Countdown The countdown is on. Driver Situation An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver. Interview Updates Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes. The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role. Grid Details Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: 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 make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane. Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Driver Comments "We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that. Constructors' Championship It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader. Previous Results Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick. Sprint Race Value Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago. Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.