Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
