Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently 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.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
