Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states 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 Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
