Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins 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'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
