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Preamble

Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The starting lap has started.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The last moments is underway.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

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