Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
