Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
