Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates

Opening Notes

Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The starting lap has started.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.

Final Moments

The countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.