Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
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. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
