Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
