🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage Opening Notes Philip is arriving soon to guide you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT). Live Feed Starting Lap Period The starting lap has started. Track Information We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out. Final Moments The last moments is on. Driver Situation One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man. Interview Updates Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes. Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role. Grid Details Just sixteen vehicles 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-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Driver Comments "We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that. Team Standings The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader. Past Performance Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago. Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.