Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage

Introduction

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

Formation Lap Period

The formation lap is underway.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft points out.

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.