Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
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 lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in 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. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
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, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
