Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.