Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Opening Notes

Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Live Feed

Starting Lap Time

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The countdown is on.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

The team'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 the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.

Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.