Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

Our correspondent is about to begin to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Live Feed

Starting Lap Time

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.

Final Moments

The last moments is on.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

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

Team Standings

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, 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 Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.