Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
