Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
