Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect 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 forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
