Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
