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Introduction

Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Time

The warm-up lap has started.

Track Information

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

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

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

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.