Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates

Preamble

The author is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft reminds us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.