Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage

Introduction

The author is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Time

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey 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 Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, 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 start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.