Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Preamble
Philip will be here shortly to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
