Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.