Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
