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Introduction

Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

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Warm-Up Lap Time

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

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

Final Moments

The last moments has begun.

Driver Situation

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

Interview Updates

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

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

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