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Opening Notes

Philip is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

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Warm-Up Lap Time

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.

Countdown

The last moments has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final 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. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

The driver claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.