Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville 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.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: 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 help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, 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 what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
