Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates

Preamble

Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Live Feed

Starting Lap Time

The starting lap is underway.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The last moments is on.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front 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.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.