Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
