Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of 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.
