Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming 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
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
