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Introduction

Our correspondent is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

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Formation Lap Period

The warm-up lap has begun.

Circuit Details

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft reminds us.

Countdown

The final countdown has begun.

Driver Situation

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

Interview Updates

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

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.

Grid Details

There are only 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.