Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins 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'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
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 Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
