Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap has started.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
