Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

The author is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Live Feed

Warm-Up Lap Time

The warm-up lap is underway.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 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 Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, approximately twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.