Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Preamble
Philip will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
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, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
