BBC Coverage Details for the Qatar Grand Prix

The 57-lap Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled to commence at 16:00 GMT on Sunday, 1 December. This event, the penultimate race of the 2024 season, will take place at the Lusail International Circuit from November 29 to December 1. Max Verstappen of Red Bull recently clinched his fourth consecutive drivers’ title by securing fifth place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. In that race, George Russell achieved a Mercedes one-two finish, leading his team-mate Lewis Hamilton, while Carlos Sainz of Ferrari secured third position. As the final sprint event of the current campaign, the Qatar Grand Prix will award additional points to drivers who finish in the top eight during the shorter 100km race. Commentary for the event will be accessible via BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app. Additionally, listeners can tune in using most smart speakers. To do so, users should instruct their smart speaker by saying “ask BBC Sounds to play the Qatar Grand Prix”, followed by the name of the current session. The Chequered Flag podcast, offering previews and reviews of each race throughout the season, is available for download. All listed times are GMT. On Friday, November 29, the first practice session is scheduled from 13:30 to 14:30, followed by sprint qualifying from 17:30 to 18:14. Both sessions will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers. Saturday, November 30, will feature the sprint race from 14:00 to 15:00 and qualifying from 18:00 to 19:00. These can be followed online via the BBC Sport website and smart speakers. The main race on Sunday, December 1, begins at 16:00, with coverage available on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers. In the previous year’s Qatar race, Max Verstappen claimed victory ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. He also secured his third title during that event’s Saturday sprint. The initial weather forecast for this final triple-header’s second race indicates pleasant temperatures and a moderate to fresh breeze. Dry conditions are anticipated throughout all three days of track activity in Doha, with temperatures expected to be approximately 19C to 20C during Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s race. While Max Verstappen has already secured the drivers’ title, the competition in the constructors’ championship remains active. Following the Las Vegas race, McLaren holds a 24-point lead over second-placed Ferrari, despite the Scuderia achieving a higher finish and a podium position with Carlos Sainz. Current champions Red Bull occupy third place, trailing McLaren by 53 points and Ferrari by 29 points.