Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was 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 make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.