2026 Japanese Grand Prix: Race commencement time, viewing options, complete F1 timetable, forecasts
An exciting Formula 1 season progresses with the Japanese Grand Prix, as Mercedes and Ferrari resume their rivalry in the third round of 2026.
Mercedes has achieved a one-two finish in both of the initial rounds, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli each securing a victory. However, Ferrari has proven to be more competitive than anticipated. Lewis Hamilton, who captured his first podium in red during the previous race in China, and Charles Leclerc have also been engaged in a competitive battle.
Meanwhile, McLaren aims to recover from a double DNS setback in Shanghai, while Max Verstappen, who has triumphed in the last four races in Japan, faces another challenging weekend in a Red Bull car that he continues to express dissatisfaction with.
To ensure you stay informed, here’s everything you need to know ahead of Suzuka, the final race for over a month in F1 due to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.
– Antonelli, Ferrari provide an uplifting race in China, but critics persist
Japanese Grand Prix schedule
All times in GMT
Friday, March 27:
Practice One: 2.30 a.m. – 3.30 a.m.
Practice Two: 6 a.m. – 7 a.m.
Saturday, March 28
Practice Three: 2.30 a.m. – 3.30 a.m.
Qualifying: 6 a.m. – 7 a.m.
Sunday, March 29
The Japanese Grand Prix: 6 a.m.
How to watch
Sky Sports holds exclusive F1 broadcasting rights again in 2026 in the UK, with every session available live on Sky Sports F1. The sessions in Japan will also be shown on Sky Sports Main Event.
For those without a subscription, highlights of the Japanese Grand Prix will be available on free-to-air television on Channel 4.
In the U.S., subscribers can view every session on Apple TV, through a new F1 channel on the platform.
Japanese GP track: Suzuka
Suzuka first appeared on the F1 calendar in 1987; it has hosted nearly all Japanese Grands Prix except for four and is favored by both drivers and fans for its unique circuit layout.
Before Suzuka, F1 raced at Fuji Speedway in 1976 and 1977, returning for a second two-year stint during McLaren’s last dominant era in 2007 and 2008 with Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
The race at Suzuka was traditionally held in October, but in 2024 it was rescheduled to spring as part of F1’s initiative to group races by geographical location for sustainability purposes. The April date coincides with the peak of sakura, Japan’s cherry blossom season, and teams have previously created special liveries inspired by the iconic trees.
Japanese Grand Prix
Previous winners
2014: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2015: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2016: Nico Rosberg, Mercedes
2017: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2018: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2019: Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
2022: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2023: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2024: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2025: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
Other key stats
First race: 1987
Laps: 53 laps of 5.8km. Total race distance 307.4km
Lap record: 1:30.983 Lewis Hamilton (2019)
Most wins: Michael Schumacher with six (1995, 1997, 2000-2002, 2004). Among the current grid, Hamilton has five (2007, 2014-2015, 2017-2018), Verstappen has four (2022-2025), and Fernando Alonso has two (2006, 2008).
Most poles: Schumacher with eight (1994-1995, 1998-2002, 2004). Among the current grid, Hamilton has four (2007-2008, 2017-2018), as does Verstappen (2022-2025).
The weather
One reason for moving the Japanese GP from October was to avoid typhoon season, seemingly trading rain for an abundance of cherry blossoms.
Nevertheless, Japan has experienced numerous wet races over the years regardless of the month, and the weather appears to be unpredictable for the third race of the F1 season. Temperatures are expected to be below 20 degrees Celsius, with rain currently predicted on all three days of track activity, to varying extents.
What happened last year?
Verstappen secured his first victory of the season after once again contending with Lando Norris at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Norris had been significantly ahead of the four-time world champion in the first two races, as McLaren won both — one for the Briton and one for Oscar Piastri.
However, Verstappen disrupted the expected outcome on Saturday by delivering an impressive qualifying lap to take an unexpected pole, reigniting their rivalry on Sunday at Suzuka.
The drama unfolded during the pit stop as they collided on exit, with Norris driving over the grass on Verstappen’s inside amid accusations.
The stewards did not support Norris’ assertion that he was forced off, and no action was taken as Verstappen maintained his lead and narrowed the championship gap to one point.
Who will win this year?
It would be unwise not to consider Mercedes after the Silver Arrows achieved one-twos in both of the initial races — in qualifying and the race — but the layout of Suzuka could potentially benefit Ferrari in the corners. With the possibility of rain, the outcome remains uncertain.
That said, we will select Kimi Antonelli once more to secure back-to-back F1 victories.
– Formula 1 in 2026: Race calendar
Source: espn.com
