Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
