🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage Opening Notes Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm). Real-Time Updates Warm-Up Lap Period The formation lap has started. Track Information There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft reminds us. Final Moments The countdown is underway. Racer Positions One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man. Media Conversations Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes. Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role. Grid Details Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane. The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise. Driver Comments "We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning. Team Standings It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen. Past Performance Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win. Sprint Race Value Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago. Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.