Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day ā as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
