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Opening Notes

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

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

"We take the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, approximately twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.