Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion 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, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short 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 winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
