Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
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
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
