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Opening Notes

Our correspondent is arriving soon to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The warm-up lap has started.

Circuit Details

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

Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

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

Media Conversations

Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Driver Comments

"We take the experience for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

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