Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
