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Introduction

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

Live Feed

Starting Lap Time

The starting lap is underway.

Track Information

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The last moments has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

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

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.