Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
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
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go till the sprint race begins. 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, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
