Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
