Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final 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. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on 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. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
