Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: 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 Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles 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 once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
