Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
