Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
