🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Live Coverage Preamble Philip will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm). Current Events Starting Lap Time The formation lap has begun. Circuit Details There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out. Final Moments The countdown is underway. Racer Positions An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver. Interview Updates Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team. Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role. Starting Positions There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area. Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise. Racer Statements "We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that. Constructors' Championship The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader. Previous Results Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win. Short Race Importance Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season. Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.