Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
The author is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
