Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.