Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage

Introduction

The author will be here shortly to cover today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Starting Lap Period

The starting lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.