Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
