Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 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 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
