🔗 Share this article Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage Introduction Philip will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm). Real-Time Updates Formation Lap Period The formation lap has started. Track Information There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us. Countdown The final countdown is on. Driver Situation One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver. Media Conversations Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team. The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal. Starting Positions Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area. The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise. Racer Statements "We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that. Team Standings The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader. Previous Results Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick. Short Race Importance Right, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago. Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.