🔗 Share this article

Introduction

The author is arriving soon to cover this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Starting Lap Period

The warm-up lap is underway.

Circuit Details

We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.

Final Moments

The final countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to mess with Red Bull's main man.

Media Conversations

Sky interviewing Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

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

Grid Details

Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco 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

It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Previous Results

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

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.

Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.