🔗 Share this article Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage Introduction The author will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm). Real-Time Updates Starting Lap Time The warm-up lap has begun. Circuit Details There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us. Countdown The countdown has begun. Racer Positions An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver. Interview Updates Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst 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. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane. The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise. Driver Comments "We take the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning. Constructors' Championship The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated 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 the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen. Previous Results Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago. The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.