🔗 Share this article

Opening Notes

Our correspondent will be here shortly to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Time

The starting lap has begun.

Circuit Details

There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The last moments is on.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

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

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

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.

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

Racer Statements

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

Constructors' Championship

It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.

Previous Results

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

Sprint Race Value

Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.

The driver claimed the championship following Pérez crashes out of the short race.