Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
