Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result 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 Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says 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 assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
