Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
