Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
