Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

The author will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Current Events

Formation Lap Time

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins 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 take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

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

Short Race Importance

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.