Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
