Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates

Preamble

Philip is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Period

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.