Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed 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 failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
