Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
