Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
