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Introduction

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

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Warm-Up Lap Period

The formation lap has begun.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

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

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 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 the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

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