Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with 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 the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
