Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
