Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect 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 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
