Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

The author will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Live Feed

Warm-Up Lap Time

The warm-up lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.