Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates

Introduction

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

Current Events

Starting Lap Time

The warm-up lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The final countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.

The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.