Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
