Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
