Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with 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 the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
