Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
