🔗 Share this article Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage Introduction The author is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm). Current Events Formation Lap Period The starting lap has begun. Circuit Details There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us. Final Moments The countdown is on. Racer Positions One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man. Media Conversations Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team. Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role. Grid Details Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane. The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Racer Statements "We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that. Team Standings It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen. Past Performance Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win. Sprint Race Value Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago. The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.