Philip will be here shortly to guide you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
The formation lap has started.
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator points out.
The last moments is on.
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with the team's lead driver.
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
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