Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
