Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles 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 position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
