🔗 Share this article Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage Introduction Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT). Live Feed Starting Lap Time The starting lap is underway. Circuit Details We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft informs us. Final Moments The countdown has begun. Racer Positions An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver. Interview Updates Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team. Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal. Starting Positions Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying 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 failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup 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 starting from the same position. Racer Statements "We take the learning 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 their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader. Past Performance Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago. Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.