Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
