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Preamble

The author will be here shortly to guide you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The formation lap has begun.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, 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 the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.