Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed 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 did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted 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 learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
