Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage

Introduction

Philip will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The formation lap has begun.

Track Information

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The final countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last 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 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.