Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Opening Notes
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
