Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip will be here shortly to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
