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Introduction

The author is arriving soon to take you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Formation Lap Period

The warm-up lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out.

Countdown

The final countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

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

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer 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: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

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

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

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

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go 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 own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

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