Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
