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Opening Notes

The author will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

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Formation Lap Period

The formation lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The final countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

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