Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
