Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Preamble
Philip will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.