🔗 Share this article Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates Introduction Philip will be here shortly to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm). Current Events Formation Lap Period The starting lap has begun. Circuit Details We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us. Final Moments The final countdown is on. Racer Positions An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man. Interview Updates Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes. The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role. Grid Details There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area. Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Driver Comments "We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning. Constructors' Championship It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen. Previous Results Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win. Sprint Race Value Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago. The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.