Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 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 position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
