Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
The author will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
