Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed 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 Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on 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 assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.
