Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying 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 the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship 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 second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
