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Preamble

Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).

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Starting Lap Period

The warm-up lap has started.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft reminds us.

Countdown

The last moments is underway.

Racer Positions

An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

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

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 once more on the previous day. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

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 their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.

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