Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
