Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with 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 assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.