🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates Preamble Philip will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT). Real-Time Updates Formation Lap Time The formation lap has begun. Circuit Details There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us. Final Moments The final countdown has begun. Driver Situation An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver. Interview Updates Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team. The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal. Starting Positions Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Racer Statements "We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning. Team Standings It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen. Past Performance Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win. Sprint Race Value Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago. Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.