Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
