Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
