Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown 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 challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed 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 Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until 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 itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
