Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. 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, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
