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

Opening Notes

The author is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

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Formation Lap Period

The formation lap has begun.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.