Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, 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 going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
