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Introduction

Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Period

The formation lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.

Countdown

The final countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.

Media Conversations

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 Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship 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 the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

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 till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

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