Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying 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 make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
