Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
