Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage

Introduction

The author is about to begin to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Period

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect 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, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.