Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
The author is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi 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.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
