Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair 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. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following PĂ©rez crashes out of the short race.
