Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, 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.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
