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Preamble

Our correspondent is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

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Formation Lap Period

The starting lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft points out.

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

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

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

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