Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Preamble
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
