Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
