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Preamble

Philip is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Time

The starting lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The final countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team team principal.

Grid Details

Just 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-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining 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 only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.