🔗 Share this article Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates Opening Notes Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm). Real-Time Updates Warm-Up Lap Period The formation lap is underway. Circuit Details There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us. Final Moments The final countdown is underway. Driver Situation One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man. Media Conversations Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team. The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal. Starting Positions There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area. The team's Lance 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 the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that. Constructors' Championship The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader. Previous Results Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick. Sprint Race Value Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago. The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.