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Preamble

The author is about to begin to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Formation Lap Period

The formation lap has begun.

Circuit Details

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

Countdown

The last moments has begun.

Racer Positions

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

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.

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

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.

The team'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," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint 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 own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

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