🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates Introduction The author is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm). Current Events Warm-Up Lap Period The formation lap has started. Circuit Details There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us. Final Moments The last moments has begun. Racer Positions One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver. Media Conversations Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team. Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal. Grid Details Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: 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 Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Driver Comments "We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that. Constructors' Championship The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader. Past Performance Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick. Short Race Importance Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago. Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.