Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.