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

Opening Notes

The author will be here shortly to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Live Feed

Starting Lap Time

The formation lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The last moments is on.

Racer Positions

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

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in 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 setup and so he begins from the pit lane.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.