Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip will be here shortly to guide you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin 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 twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. 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 what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
