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Opening Notes

Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Time

The warm-up lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.

Final Moments

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.

Interview Updates

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

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

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 Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

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