Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
