Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
