Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.