The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
The starting lap has begun.
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
The countdown is underway.
One point in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming twentieth and final in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
"We take the learning for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
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