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Introduction

Philip will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

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Warm-Up Lap Period

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in F1, David Croft informs us.

Countdown

The last moments is on.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

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

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 position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Team Standings

It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming 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 the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title two years ago.

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