Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
