Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Preamble
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate 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.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again 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 Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, 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, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
