Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship 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 Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
