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Preamble

Philip will be here shortly to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Period

The warm-up lap is underway.

Track Information

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.

Countdown

The countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.