Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward 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 Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
