Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates

Introduction

The author will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Time

The warm-up lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.