Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
