Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
