Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates

Introduction

The author is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Time

The warm-up lap has started.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.