F1 Qatar GP sprint race and qualifying - Start time, how to watch & more

Oscar Piastri snapped a poor run of form with pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix sprint race, with Formula 1 title rivals Lando Norris third and Max Verstappen sixth.

The McLaren driver bolted to his first pole of any kind since the Dutch GP on Friday night in Qatar, beating Mercedes driver George Russell, while Norris could only manage third place.

Fernando Alonso starred for Aston Martin in fourth, ahead of an impressive run by Yuki Tsunoda to take fifth and become the first Red Bull driver to outqualify Verstappen since the 2024 Azerbaijan GP.

Lewis Hamilton continued to endure a miserable end to his first season at Ferrari as he was knocked out in the first part of sprint qualifying and will start down in 18th.

Here is how to watch it all.

What time does the sprint race start for the F1 Qatar Grand Prix?

• Date: Saturday 29 November
• Start time: 2pm GMT/5pm local time

The Qatar Grand Prix sprint race starts at 2pm in the United Kingdom and 5pm local time with the Losail contest set to cover 19 laps.

George Russell, Mercedes F1 W15, leads Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20, Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38, and the rest of the field at the start

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

What time does qualifying start for the F1 Qatar Grand Prix?

• Date: Saturday 29 November
• Start time: 6pm GMT/9pm local time

Qatar Grand Prix qualifying commences at 6pm in the UK and 9pm in Doha, using the traditional Q1, Q2 and Q3 format.

How can I watch Formula 1?

F1 fans in the UK can watch the championship via Sky Sports, meaning it is also available via streaming sites NOW TV or Sky GO. Sky Sports F1 costs £20 each month, but it can also be bought as part of a deal that includes all Sky channels at £22.

A one-off day membership for £14.99 on NOW TV is also an option, as is a monthly contract for £31.99. Highlights are also available on free-to-air television with Channel 4 broadcasting a package that goes up several hours after the Saturday and Sunday action.

How can I watch the F1 Qatar GP sprint race and grand prix qualifying?

• Channel: Sky Sports F1
• Sprint race start time: 1pm GMT
• Grand prix qualifying start time: 5:15pm GMT

Sky Sports F1 is broadcasting every session in the 2025 F1 season for those in the UK. This weekend, Sky’s coverage starts at 1pm for the sprint race, four and a quarter hours before its qualifying build-up commences. Live commentary is also available via Autosport.

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, slows down to let Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

When can I watch the highlights of the F1 Qatar GP sprint race and grand prix qualifying?

• Channel: Channel 4
• Start time: 10:05pm GMT on Saturday 29 November

Channel 4 has broadcast highlights of F1’s Saturday and Sunday sessions across the 2025 season. For the Qatar Grand Prix, it will air a 90-minute highlight package of both the sprint race and grand prix qualifying from 10:05pm on Saturday 29 November. It will also be available via streaming site All 4.

Will the F1 Qatar GP sprint race and grand prix qualifying be on the radio?

Live radio coverage of the 2025 F1 campaign is available via BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website. For the Qatar Grand Prix sprint race, coverage is on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra at 2pm, while grand prix qualifying is on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra 2 at 6pm.

What’s the weather forecast for the sprint race and grand prix qualifying at Doha?

Saturday at Losail is expected to remain dry and warm. The sprint race will be held in 25C, while grand prix qualifying is set to be held in 23C, with no chance of rain for both sessions.