Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Opening Notes
The author is about to begin to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
