Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
