Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates

Opening Notes

Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The final countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.