Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Philip will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
