Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max 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 interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
