Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
