🔗 Share this article Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage Introduction Our correspondent is about to begin to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT). Real-Time Updates Starting Lap Time The formation lap is underway. Track Information There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us. Final Moments The last moments is underway. Racer Positions One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver. Media Conversations Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team. The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role. Starting Positions There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: 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 Q1 once more 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 pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Driver Comments "We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning. Team Standings The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader. Previous Results Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win. Sprint Race Value Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season. The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.