Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
The author is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
