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Opening Notes

Philip is arriving soon to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

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Formation Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.

Countdown

The countdown is on.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

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

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

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

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. However, second place here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.