Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles 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 position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren 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. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
