Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles 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-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
