Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
