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Opening Notes

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

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Starting Lap Time

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the starting area.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," says Isack 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 team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

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

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

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