Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.