Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session 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 advance of Q1 again 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 Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day ā as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following PĆ©rez crashes out of the short race.
