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Introduction

The author is arriving soon to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Current Events

Starting Lap Time

The starting lap is underway.

Circuit Details

There are nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.

Countdown

The final countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

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

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.