Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator points out.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
