Japanese Grand Prix: F1 session times, predictions, stats
As Formula 1 prepares for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, could Red Bull have chosen a more appropriate time to promote Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda?
In an interview this week, Tsunoda told Reuters “[It] couldn’t be a crazier situation than this … I think the amount of pressure I’m going to get will be definitely the most I’m going to get in my life.
“Also the big challenge ahead is that you have to get used to it as soon as possible in order to perform straight away in Suzuka, which I need to,” he added.
While all eyes and expectation will be on Tsunoda at Red Bull and Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, can McLaren make it three wins from three? Or can Max Verstappen sign off Red Bull’s power unit partnership, which ends at the end of 2025, with Japanese manufacturers Honda with a fourth successive win in their special livery.
Friday looks set to be mild and sunny with highs of 15°C, with cloud cover on Saturday. Sunday is forecast for rain showers and temperatures reaching 19°C.
Jump to a section: Circuit history & stats | 2024 race | race predictions | how to watch | championship standings
Latest news
Red Bull will race with a one-off white livery at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix to pay tribute to engine partner Honda.
Verstappen is unhappy with the recent decision to swap “battered boxer” Lawson for Tsunoda, according to Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko. Verstappen also liked an Instagram post by former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde criticising the team for dropping Lawson.
Sergio Pérez has backed Tsunoda to succeed in the second Red Bull, saying the Japanese driver has the mentality needed to be Verstappen’s teammate.
Thai driver Alex Albon has met the country’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatraas, as they continue to push for a place on the Formula 1 grid.
Listen to the race preview and latest episode of ESPN’s F1 podcast Unlapped with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson in Suzuka.
Circuit stats and history
Suzuka first made an appearance on the F1 calendar in 1987; it has hosted all but four Japanese Grands Prix and it’s one of the favourites on the calendar for drivers and fans alike with a circuit layout like no other.
Prior to Suzuka, F1 raced at Fuji Speedway in 1976 and 1977 before it returned for a second two-year period during McLaren’s last dominant period in 2007 and 2008 with Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
The race at Suzuka previously took place in October, but in 2024 the race was moved to spring as part of F1’s attempt to group races together by geographical location for sustainability reasons. The move to April falls during the peak of sakura, Japan’s cherry blossom season, and teams have previously designed special liveries around the flowers of the iconic trees.
Japanese Grand Prix
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). From the current grid, Hamilton has five (2007, 2014-2015, 2017-2018), Verstappen has three (2022-2024), and Fernando Alonso has two (2006, 2008).
Most poles: Schumacher with eight (1994-1995, 1998-2002, 2004). From the current grid, Hamilton has four (2007-2008, 2017-2018), and Verstappen has three (2022-2024).
What makes it special: The only figure-eight layout in F1, with legendary corners such as the Esses, 130R and the Degners. The Japanese fans are also unlike any others in F1, dressing in homemade costumes and staying late into the night just to watch activity in the garages.
What the drivers say about it: “It’s great because it’s very demanding, and perfect for Formula 1 cars. You can use all the potential of these cars and their aerodynamic performance as they match perfectly with the corners at Suzuka.” — Alonso
Where to watch from: Turns 1, 2 and 3. The long right hander at Turn 1 and Turn 2 switches back at Turn 3, providing a challenge unlike any other on the F1 calendar. New grandstands offer views at Turn 1 that will also provide a great spot for watching the drivers jostle for position on the opening lap.
What happened last year?
Red Bull took a one-two as Verstappen claimed his third consecutive win from pole at the Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen was comfortably ahead of his teammate Perez and third place Carlos Sainz.
The race was red-flagged owing to a crash between Daniel Ricciardo and Albon, but it didn’t break Verstappen’s lead in the race.
Who will win?
Two wins from two races means it’s hard to look past McLaren as the favourites for the third race weekend in a row.
After his win in China, Oscar Piastri is the driver in form and we’re backing him to close the points gap to teammate Lando Norris again by beating him to victory at Suzuka.
How to watch the GP
Watch on ESPN and ESPN+ (U.S. only) — view the schedule.
Live broadcast coverage in the U.K. is on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For news, analysis and updates, follow the coverage with ESPN’s F1 team Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson at Suzuka and on social media.
Times below in BST (British Summer Time).
Friday
Free practice one: 03:30-04:30 BST
Free practice two: 07:00-08:00 BST
Saturday
Free practice three: 03:30-04:30 BST
Qualifying: 07:00-08:00 BST
Sunday
Race starts: 06:00 BST.
Standings | Calendar | Teams
How the championships look
It’s close after two races, but so much can change with 22 races to go.
Norris leads the drivers’ championship with 44 points, as Verstappen is eight behind. Mercedes’ George Russell is just one point behind Verstappen as pressure builds on the Dutchman to ensure Red Bull stay competitive in the championship as his new teammate Tsunoda gets up to speed.
In the constructors’, world champions McLaren lead Mercedes with 78 points, and remain the only team to have won so far this season.
– 2025 F1 circuits: Their history, stats and why they’re special
– Key facts on drivers, teams, venues, more
– Reasons to root for each F1 driver, questions for every team
– Meet the rookies: What to expect from F1’s Class of 2025
Source: espn.com