Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: 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 again on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.