🔗 Share this article Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage Introduction Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT). Real-Time Updates Starting Lap Time The starting lap has begun. Circuit Details There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us. Final Moments The last moments is on. Driver Situation An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man. Media Conversations Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes. Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role. Grid Details Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area. The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Driver Comments "We'll use the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that. Team Standings The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader. Past Performance Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago. The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.