Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles 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-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
