Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
