Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
