Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
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 the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed 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.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
