Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates

Preamble

Philip will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Time

The warm-up lap has begun.

Track Information

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.

Countdown

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.