Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be 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, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
