Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: 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 interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
