Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Formation Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
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 tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.