Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Preamble
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 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-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage 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 begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong 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 assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.
