Qatar's Sprint Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville 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 bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states 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 Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after PĂ©rez crashes out of the short race.
