Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage

Introduction

The author is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Current Events

Starting Lap Period

The formation lap has started.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The final countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, 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 winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.