Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates

Opening Notes

Philip is about to begin to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Current Events

Formation Lap Period

The starting lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The countdown is on.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.