Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
