Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
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 stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result 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 Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
