🔗 Share this article Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage Preamble The author is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm). Real-Time Updates Starting Lap Period The formation lap has started. Track Information We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us. Final Moments The final countdown is on. Racer Positions An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver. Media Conversations Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes. Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, 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 poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area. The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Racer Statements "We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning. Constructors' Championship The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen. Past Performance Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick. Short Race Importance Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago. The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.