Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage

Introduction

Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The starting lap is underway.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The final countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed 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 advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.