Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
