Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.