Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
