Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
The author will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
