Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

The author will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The warm-up lap is underway.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration 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.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, 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 itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

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