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Opening Notes

Philip will be here shortly to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The last moments has begun.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

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

Starting Positions

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

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

Sprint Race Value

Right, 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 highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

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