Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty 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, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
