Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage

Opening Notes

The author is about to begin to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Period

The formation lap has begun.

Track Information

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.

Countdown

The final countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed 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 main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.