Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point 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.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: 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 Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
