Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
