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Introduction

Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator points out.

Countdown

The final countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Driver Comments

"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

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