Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following PĂ©rez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
