Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
