Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
