Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
The author will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 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 position in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
