Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates

Opening Notes

Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Period

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The last moments is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more 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 Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.