Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
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, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
