Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. 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 pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
