Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
