🔗 Share this article Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates Introduction The author is about to begin to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm). Live Feed Starting Lap Period The formation lap has begun. Track Information There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us. Final Moments The countdown has begun. Driver Situation One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver. Media Conversations Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team. The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role. Grid Details Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane. The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise. Racer Statements "We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning. Team Standings It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage 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. Past Performance Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Right, approximately twenty minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season. Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.