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Introduction

The author is about to begin to cover today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Current Events

Formation Lap Time

The warm-up lap has begun.

Track Information

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown is on.

Racer Positions

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

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

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

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication 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 claim the title in a prior season.

Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.