Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles 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 grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
