Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
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 take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
