Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates

Preamble

Philip will be here shortly to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The warm-up lap has begun.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco 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 run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.