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

Preamble

Our correspondent is about to begin to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Formation Lap Period

The starting lap is underway.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft informs us.

Countdown

The countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

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

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

Just 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 position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.