Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
