Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently 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 doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance 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 here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
