Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
