Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
