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Opening Notes

Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Current Events

Formation Lap Period

The formation lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is on.

Racer Positions

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

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

The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, 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. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.