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

Introduction

Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Starting Lap Time

The warm-up lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The last moments has begun.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.

Media Conversations

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

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.