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Introduction

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

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Time

The starting lap has begun.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The countdown is on.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

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

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

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

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.