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Opening Notes

The author will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The starting lap has started.

Track Information

There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula One, David Croft points out.

Countdown

The countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

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