Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
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 mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
