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Preamble

Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Time

The warm-up lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.

Countdown

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up 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 twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

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

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. 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 managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.