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Opening Notes

The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Period

The formation lap has started.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft reminds us.

Countdown

The countdown is on.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

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

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, 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 significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.