Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
