Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
