Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
