Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, 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.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
