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Preamble

Philip is arriving soon to cover today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Period

The starting lap is underway.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft points out.

Final Moments

The last moments is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.

Media Conversations

Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.

The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.

Grid Details

Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, rather than highly important in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of the short race.