Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
