Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
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, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
