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Opening Notes

Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

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Formation Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.

Countdown

The countdown is on.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

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

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

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

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

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