Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. 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, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
