Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 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 Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
