Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Introduction

Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Time

The warm-up lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The final countdown is on.

Driver Situation

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

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack 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 the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.