Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.