Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
