Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
The author will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 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 own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
