Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to take you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
