Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
