Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates

Opening Notes

The author will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Period

The warm-up lap is underway.

Track Information

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The final countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.

The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.