Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage

Preamble

The author is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Formation Lap Period

The warm-up lap has started.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The last moments has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying 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 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong 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 the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.