Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
The author is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team 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 Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
