Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just 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 make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
