Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates

Introduction

The author is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Period

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator points out.

Countdown

The countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.