Qatar's Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is arriving soon to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: 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 this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.
