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Introduction

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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Starting Lap Period

The starting lap has begun.

Track Information

There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.

Final Moments

The final countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

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

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect 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 their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Right, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.