Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
