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Opening Notes

The author is about to begin to take you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Current Events

Starting Lap Period

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft points out.

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

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

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead 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 Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen claimed the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.