Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage

Preamble

Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Starting Lap Time

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown is on.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says 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 team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.