Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use 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: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.