Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins 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 learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
