Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to 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 car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
