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Introduction

The author is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Current Events

Formation Lap Time

The formation lap has begun.

Track Information

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft informs us.

Final Moments

The countdown is on.

Driver Situation

One point in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.

Media Conversations

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

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.

Starting Positions

There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.

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

Racer Statements

"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.

Constructors' Championship

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.

Short Race Importance

Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining till the short 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 available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.

The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of the short race.