Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
