Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage

Opening Notes

Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Period

The formation lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft points out.

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

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 own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.