Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The last moments is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
