Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is about to begin to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session 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 make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
