Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
