Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (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.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
Just 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 grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. 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 forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint 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 awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
