Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage

Opening Notes

Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Period

The warm-up lap has started.

Track Information

There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft points out.

Final Moments

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.