Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint 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 awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
