Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
