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Preamble

Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

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Starting Lap Time

The formation lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.

Final Moments

The final countdown is on.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.

Interview Updates

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

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

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

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.