Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with 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 start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
