Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage

Introduction

The author is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Live Feed

Warm-Up Lap Time

The starting lap has started.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The last moments is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.