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Preamble

The author is arriving soon 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 Time

The starting lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

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

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

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

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.

The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.