If you read the qualifying report - an old friend used to read just the intros and outros to our race reports as he knew what happened in between - you'll be aware that we referred to the 70s/80s TV comedy series Soap... and the immortal tagline, "confused, you will be".

Well, other than the theme tune, that's been playing on our minds all night, the practice sessions were confusing enough but nothing prepared us for qualifying, so God knows what we're in for today.

The one thing we do have is - other than Max being on pole - the sort of mixed up/reverse grid that Ross, Stefano and the rest have been pushing for.

Like I mentioned to Zoran Stefanovic earlier this week, in terms of his proposed championship, there has to be an element of chance in racing, and it has to come about by natural circumstances not manufactured, and yesterday's qualifying session had unnatural happenings occur in spades.

First things first, Max has to beat Carlos off the line and through the first corner, leaving the rest of the pack to sort themselves out.

While we have faith in Max we are not so sure about that first corner... it has history.

With such a mixed-up grid - Liam and Carlos at the front, Lando, Oscar, Charles and Lewis all starting much further back, the opening lap is going to be ferocious, especially that first corner.

We are not expecting rain but once again the wind is going to be a factor.

This has the potential to be a classic, however, as was the case in Monza, a major spoiler is the fact that it is likely to be a one-stopper. This whole tyre thing is one of the factors wrecking the sport, hence my suggestion to Mr Stefanovic that his proposed series should feature rubber that CAN last an entire race... if the driver so wishes and is prepared to take the risk.

It would be madness to try and predict what is going to happen, so let's just sit back and enjoy the ride.

McLaren was looking to secure the drivers' title this weekend, now, especially in the wake of Andrea Stella's warning, the objective will be to minimise the Max factor.

Carlos deserves a result today, as does Liam, but other than the usual suspects determined to add to their tallies others will view this as a prime opportunity to bag some precious points, if only to impress current and future employers.

The Racing Bulls have a significant opportunity today, as does Fernando, while Yuki could do himself a major favour.

According to Pirelli the fastest route is a one-stop with medium and hard playing the leading roles, unless of course there are any 'neutralisations'. As for the soft, it is unlikely to be used, but it cannot be ruled out entirely, for example in the case of someone looking to do a short first stint, before running in clear air and going all the way to the chequered flag.

A first stint on medium or hard allows for greater flexibility, since it's not out of the question that the race could be neutralised, as we saw in qualifying... six times!! The one certainty is that it will be a very unpredictable race.

All the big guns have two sets of fresh hards while Hamilton has two sets of fresh mediums and the McLaren pair both have one. Sainz also has two sets of fresh hards.

Assuming it's a 'normal' race - whatever that means these days - those starting on mediums will be looking to pit from Lap 16 and those on hards from Lap 29. The soft will last around 10 to 15 laps.

Despite being disqualified from qualifying after failing a deflection test on his rear wing, Ocon will be allowed to start, albeit from the back of the grid, while Colapinto and Piastri have both changed their survival cells following their mishaps in qualifying.

Air temperature is 21 degrees C and the track temperature is 27 degrees. It is sunny but still very windy with a headwind on the main straight.

The pitlane opens and Sainz leads the way, followed by Lawson, Hulkenberg, Hamilton and Ocon.

"There's something wrong," says Hadjar, "a really weird sound".

Sainz is last to take his place on the grid when mechanics are working on Hadjar's car which is thought to have a hydraulics issue.

"We are just pulling the bodywork off and having a look," confirms Alan Permane. "We think it might be simple, but if it is not, we don't have much time to fix it."

Despite official predictions being to the contrary, James Vowles claims that there is a chance of rain about an hour into the race, which, based on yesterday's antics, means round about Lap 6.

Ahead of the formation lap RB confirms that Hadjar's car is all clear for the start.

All are on mediums bar Verstappen, Russell, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Bortoleto, Bearman, Hulkenberg and Gasly are on hards. Sainz, Lawson, Antonelli, Hadjar, Leclerc, Alonso, and Stroll on used rubber.

They head off on the formation lap, all getting away cleanly.

The grid forms, albeit very, very slowly.

They're away! Verstappen gets asway well while Sainz tucks in behind. Lawson follows in third while behind him the Mercedes pair are side-by-side through Turn 1.

A poor start from Piastri who loses a heap of positions.

The VSC and then the Safety Car is deployed as Piastri has locked-up and gone off and into the barrier at Turn 5. A total disaster for the Australian, following yesterday's incident.

Replay shows that Piastri jumped the start and then slowed, losing numerous positions in the process. Then came the encounter with the barriers at Turn 5.

At the end of Lap 1, it's: Verstappen, Sainz, Lawson, Antonelli, Russell, Tsunoda, Hadjar, Norris, Leclerc and Hamilton.

Ocon and Albon both take an early stop under the Safety Car, both switching to mediums.

Elsewhere, Hulkenberg clouted Ocon hence the Frenchman's need to pit. Indeed, the Haas pitted again, this time to switch back to the hards/

Piastri and Alonso have both been noted for false starts... moving before the signal.

The Safety Car is withdrawn at the end of Lap 4.

Verstappen lets rip towards the end of the main straight, while Russell loses out to Tsunoda after an attack on his teammate in Turn 1. Leclerc passes Norris who appeared to be sleeping at the restart.

Alonso has a 5s time penalty for a false start.

Leclerc passes Hadjar for seventh, with Norris and Hamilton also passing the RB.

As Russell harries Tsunoda, teammate Antonelli posts a new fastest lap (47.038).

"I reacted to Piastri," says Alonso when told about his time penalty. "Sorry," he says.

Having retaken ninth Hadjar is battling with Hamilton, however the Ferrari driver eventually comes out on top.

Opening a 1.6s lead Verstappen posts a new fastest lap (46.133).