Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup 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," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
