Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to take you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
