Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Philip will be here shortly to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
