Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: 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
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George 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, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
