Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates

Introduction

Philip is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Current Events

Formation Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.