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

Introduction

Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Time

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

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

Starting Positions

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

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

Team Standings

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.