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Opening Notes

The author is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Track Information

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.

Countdown

The countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance 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 Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.