Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst 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. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
