Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
