Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari 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 Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong 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 the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
