Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates

Preamble

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

Live Feed

Warm-Up Lap Period

The formation lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.

Countdown

The last moments is underway.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

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

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.