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Opening Notes

Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.