Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with 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. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after PĂ©rez crashes out of the short race.
