🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Main Event Qualifying: Real-Time Updates Introduction The author is about to begin to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT). Real-Time Updates Warm-Up Lap Period The formation lap has begun. Circuit Details We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us. Final Moments The last moments is underway. Racer Positions An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver. Interview Updates Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team. The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal. Starting Positions There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane. Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise. Driver Comments "We'll use the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning. Team Standings It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen. Previous Results Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win. Sprint Race Value Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago. Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.