Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, 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 poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently 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 starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on 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 this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, 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 itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
