Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
