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Preamble

Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Period

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The final countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

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

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Starting Positions

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.