Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to guide you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
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, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
