Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed 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 failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, 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 the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
