Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
