Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted 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 Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
