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Introduction

The author is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

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Formation Lap Time

The formation lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.

Countdown

The last moments has begun.

Driver Situation

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

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

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

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed 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 main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

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

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.

The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.