Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
