Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
The author is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
