Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Time

The formation lap is underway.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator points out.

Countdown

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration 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'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.