Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was 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 failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
