Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
