🔗 Share this article Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage Introduction Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm). Real-Time Updates Warm-Up Lap Time The warm-up lap has started. Circuit Details There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us. Final Moments The countdown is underway. Driver Situation One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver. Media Conversations Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team. Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal. Grid Details There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area. Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Driver Comments "We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning. Constructors' Championship The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader. Past Performance Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season. Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.