Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
