Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates

Opening Notes

Our correspondent is about to begin to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Time

The starting lap has begun.

Track Information

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.