Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
