Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted 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.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping 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 Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, 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 winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
