🔗 Share this article

Preamble

Our correspondent will be here shortly to guide you through this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Time

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

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

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

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

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

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

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, 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 going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

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