Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
