🔗 Share this article Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates Introduction The author is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm). Live Feed Starting Lap Time The formation lap has started. Circuit Details We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us. Countdown The countdown is on. Driver Situation One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver. Media Conversations Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes. The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role. Starting Positions Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise. Racer Statements "We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning. Team Standings It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen. Past Performance Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win. Sprint Race Value Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago. The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.