Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
The author is about to begin to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
