Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
The author is about to begin to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
