Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage 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.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session 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 as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
