Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping 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.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
