Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
