🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates Introduction Philip will be here shortly to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT). Live Feed Formation Lap Period The starting lap has started. Track Information There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft points out. Countdown The final countdown is underway. Driver Situation An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver. Media Conversations Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes. The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role. Starting Positions There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Racer Statements "We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning. Team Standings It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader. Past Performance Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win. Sprint Race Value Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago. Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.