Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
