Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
