Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates
Introduction
The author is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship 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 second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar 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 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.