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Opening Notes

Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Warm-Up Lap Time

The formation lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: 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.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.