Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author is arriving soon to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after PĂ©rez crashes out of the short race.
