Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
