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Preamble

The author is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

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Warm-Up Lap Time

The starting lap has started.

Circuit Details

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

Countdown

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

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

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari 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 Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We'll use 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: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Past Performance

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

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.