Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 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, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience 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 dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
