Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
