Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again 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 Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
