Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
