Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, 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
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
