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Introduction

Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Time

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The countdown is underway.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

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

Sprint Race Value

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

The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.