Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated 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 Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
