Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out 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.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then ā as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following PĆ©rez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
