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Opening Notes

The author is arriving soon to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Time

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

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

Countdown

The last moments has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.

Starting Positions

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver wins F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.