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Preamble

The author will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Time

The formation lap has started.

Track Information

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.

Final Moments

The last moments has begun.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.