Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
