Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion 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 twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming 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
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
