Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage 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 Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
