Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value 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 here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
