Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
