Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up 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 twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team 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 this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
