Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 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. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
