Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Preamble

Our correspondent is about to begin to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Live Feed

Warm-Up Lap Period

The warm-up lap has begun.

Track Information

There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.