Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates

Preamble

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

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Time

The formation lap is underway.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out.

Countdown

The final countdown is on.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.