🔗 Share this article Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage Opening Notes The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm). Live Feed Starting Lap Period The starting lap has begun. Circuit Details We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us. Final Moments The 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 speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team. Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role. Grid Details There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area. The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair 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 plenty of learning. Team Standings It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen. Past Performance Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago. The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.