Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst 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. This followed another poor grid-setting session 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 made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
