Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates

Opening Notes

The author will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Time

The starting lap has begun.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the sprint 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 just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.