Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Philip is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky 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 team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session 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. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
