Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," states 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 the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping 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 won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
