Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
