Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
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," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.