Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Live Coverage
Preamble
The author is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
