Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
