Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates

Introduction

Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Time

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.

Countdown

The countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
Hayden Sellers
Hayden Sellers

A passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and industry trends.