Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates

Opening Notes

The author is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Time

The warm-up lap has begun.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The last moments is on.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.