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Introduction

Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

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Formation Lap Time

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

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

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

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

Short Race Importance

Right, just over twenty minutes to go until 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 own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.