Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
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 promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was 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 grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
