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

Preamble

Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

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Warm-Up Lap Period

The formation lap is underway.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The final countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

Aston Martin's 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 tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, approximately twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance 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 enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.