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Opening Notes

Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.

Countdown

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

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

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

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

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

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

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. 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

Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.

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