Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says 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 team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
