Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
