Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
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 interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes 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 starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
