🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Updates Introduction Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT). Real-Time Updates Starting Lap Period The starting lap has begun. Track Information We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us. Countdown The last moments is underway. Racer Positions An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man. Interview Updates Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team. Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role. Starting Positions Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane. The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position. Racer Statements "We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning. Constructors' Championship The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader. Previous Results Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago. The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.