Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
