Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
The author will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: 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's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment 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.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack 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 the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
