Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
