It's probably fair to say that, other than Russell, nobody went to their bed last night happy with their qualifying performance.

OK, maybe Sainz, but the poor guy subsequently got his with a 5-place drop for a yellow flag infringement.

The anger and frustration elsewhere ranges from mild to raging and consequently, ahead of a race that was almost certain to be - let's say, eventful - we can expect a little bit of the red mist.

It was, of course, a superb effort from Russell, but in all honesty it needed to be, while the Briton's cause was certainly aided by his teammate's over-enthusiasm.

The incidents have come thick and fast this weekend, and even without the wind and fallen leaves we've seen everything from mild brushes with the barriers to full blown crashes, while the escape roads have also been in constant use.

One man who must be already looking forward to Sepang is Leclerc, who despite his excellent qualifying effort, has a grim history here.

In 2021, during FP1 he crashed out, then again in opening practice in 2024, not forgetting qualifying last year. All of these incidents taking place at the infamous Turn 15.

And, of course, it was during the 2019 race when he uttered the iconic, "I am stupid", admission after crashing out at Turn 8.

Yes, Charles has history here.

While Piastri is seeking a tow bar to be fixed to the rear of Russell's Mercedes, teammate Norris simply admits that it is essentially "do or die". Verstappen, Hamilton, Ocon, in particular are indulging in public self-flagellation, while the rest just appear to be beating themselves up.

We've seen chaos at the start before, and with Antonelli starting from 16th, it will be a miracle if we get through the opening lap, never mind Turn 1, unscathed.

Attrition aside, a one-stop strategy is the most competitive option today. Combinations involving the medium and soft compounds appear particularly effective given the limited wear levels observed. That said, the use of hards in the second stint could become an alternative worth considering should an early 'neutralisation' occur.

After the tedium of the Madring we deserve something a little more entertaining, and one gets the feeling that Baku just might deliver.

Overnight Verstappen has taken on an entire new engine, but without penalty as all the components were within the Dutchman's permitted allocation for the season.

Due to his qualifying 'mishap', Antonelli has four - count 'em 4 - sets of fresh softs available, while Russell, the Red Bulls and Ferraris have two. However, unlike their rivals, who have one set apiece, the Mercedes pair don't have any fresh mediums. Everyone, on the other hand, has a fresh set of hards.

Those starting on mediums will most likely stop from Lap 22 onwards, if switching to softs, or from Lap 21 if switching to hards. Starting on the softs, the pit window will open from Lap 16. However, that is all supposing that there is no silliness.

The pitlane opens and Verstappen leads the way, followed by Hadjar, Russell, Lindblad and the Audis.

Air temperature is 26 degrees C, while the track temperature is 48 degrees. It is bright and sunny, and the winds has dropped compared to previous days.

Lindblad complains of a "metallic sound" from the rear of his car, while Hadjar has already been noted for a practice start infringement. Indeed, he will be investigated after the race, so expect a decision in late November, just ahead of confirmation as to whether Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead.

Sainz has also been noted for a practice start infringement.

All are starting on mediums bar Leclerc, Piastri, Hadjar, Hamiton, Bearman, Lawson, Albon, Ocon, Alonso and Stroll, who are on softs. Fresh rubber for all bar pole-man Russell, whose tyres are scrubber, as are those on teammate Antonelli's car. So, Russell has three soft-shod runners breathing down his neck.

Ahead of the formation lap, Gasly tells his team: "Let's have a good day, guys!"

They head off on the formation lap. All getting away.

Russell is already at Turn 8 as the Aston Martin pair are leaving the grid.

The grid forms.

They're away! Russell is quick off the line, as is Piastri, who soon gets ahead of a tardy Leclerc. Just behind, Norris passes Hadjar, Verstappen passes Gasly and Hulkenberg passes Antonelli and Sainz.

At the end of Lap 1, it's: Russell, Piastri, Leclerc, Norris, Hadjar, Hamilton, Verstappen, Gasly, Colapinto and Lawson.

Verstappen passes Hamilton for sixth, and closes on teammate Hadjar who is all over Norris.

At the start of Lap 3, Hadjar sweeps by Norris on the main straight to claim fourth. Moments later, Verstappen passes the 2025 world champion.

Down in 17th, Antonelli is 0.48s down on Hulkenberg.

Hadjar makes a move on Leclerc in Turn 1, but the Ferrari drivers holds position. Elsewhere, Antonelli passes Hulkenberg.

Piastri is told to keep the Red Bulls out of range as they battle Leclerc.

Hadjar eventually nails Leclerc, with Verstappen once again following suit.

Leading Piastri by 2.7s, Russell posts a new fastest lap (48.619).

Antonelli passes Sainz for 15th. Next up is Lindblad.

Another fastest lap from Russell (47.851), as he builds a 3s lead.

Having passed Lindblad, Antonelli is now chasing down Ocon.

At the start of Lap 7, Hadjar yields to his teammate. The Frenchman is on softs while Verstappen is on mediums. In the process, Verstappen, clearly benefitting from that new engine, posts a new fastest lap (47.574).

"I'm starting to struggle with the rears," warns Piastri as Verstappen closes in.

Out come the yellows as Stroll is told to stop at Turn 15. No drama however as they are quickly withdrawn as the Aston Martin is ushed to safety.

A bold move in Turn 1 sees Antonelli pass Ocon for 14th, as Verstappen says he doesn't feel his mediums are very good.

As Verstappen continues to harry Piastri, the Australian has dropped 5.4s behind the race leader.

Antonelli is stuck behind the Lawson/Albon battle for eleventh.

Norris is told that the field is very tight, with 19th placed Perez 21.8s behind, in other words this is not the time to pit.

Antonelli passes Albon for 12th as Russell posts a new fastest lap (47.497).

Antonelli makes quick work of Lawson and sets about making up the 3s to Bearman.

Verstappen is losing time as Piastri falls 6.9s behind Russell.