Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
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 main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars 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 main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
