Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
