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Opening Notes

Philip will be here shortly to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Live Feed

Formation Lap Time

The formation lap has begun.

Track Information

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

Countdown

The last moments is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.

Max Verstappen claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.