Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, 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 two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
