Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
