Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer 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: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
