Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: 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.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair 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. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
