Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after PĂ©rez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
