Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, 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. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.