Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. 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 – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
