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 (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: 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 lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
