Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
