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Preamble

Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Time

The formation lap has begun.

Track Information

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen wins the championship following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.