Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
