Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
