Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping 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.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
