Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to guide you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was 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 the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
