Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
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 team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
