Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
