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Preamble

Philip will be here shortly to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Formation Lap Time

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.