Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
