Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
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-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 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 only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
