Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
The author is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
