Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
