Qatar Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Preamble
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
