🔗 Share this article Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates Introduction The author will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm). Live Feed Formation Lap Time The starting lap has started. Circuit Details We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out. Final Moments The final countdown is on. Driver Situation An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man. Media Conversations Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes. Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal. Grid Details There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane. Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco 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 It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader. Previous Results Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago. The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.