Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
