Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage

Introduction

Our correspondent is about to begin to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Time

The warm-up lap is underway.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft reminds us.

Final Moments

The last moments is on.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

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

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. 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 the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

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