Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin 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 twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
