Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

The author is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Live Feed

Starting Lap Period

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.