Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip will be here shortly to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
