🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Main Event Grid Setting: Live Updates Preamble Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm). Current Events Warm-Up Lap Time The formation lap has begun. Track Information There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us. Countdown The last moments is on. Racer Positions One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man. Interview Updates Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes. Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role. Grid Details Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area. Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise. Driver Comments "We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be 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 forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader. Past Performance Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win. Sprint Race Value Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago. The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.