Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
