Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 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-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
