Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
