Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
