Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Time
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the short 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 awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
