Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
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 interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, 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 claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
