Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
