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Introduction

Philip will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Time

The warm-up lap is underway.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.

Interview Updates

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

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.