Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates

Opening Notes

Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Period

The warm-up lap is underway.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The last moments has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.