🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage Introduction Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm). Real-Time Updates Starting Lap Time The formation lap is underway. Circuit Details There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us. Countdown The countdown has begun. Driver Situation An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man. Interview Updates Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team. The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role. Grid Details There are only sixteen vehicles 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 position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area. The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise. Racer Statements "We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning. Team Standings It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader. Previous Results Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick. Short Race Importance Right, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season. Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.