Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.