As the Formula One season opens, excitement is building across the motorsport world. Fans can expect to see it in Japan, as the iconic Suzuka International Racing Course awaits Formula 1. The 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix will take place on March 29, 2026, at Suzuka, Japan. The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix is officially known as the Formula One Aramco Japanese Grand Prix 2026.
Many drivers will be looking to strengthen their chances to win and maintain their teams’ reputations. At the same time, a few contenders will be eager to bounce back and re-establish their status in Formula One. This upcoming event will be the third round of the Formula One World Championship. Japanese fans are all on track, full of excitement, as the driver’s momentum builds in their hands.
The Chinese GP at the Shanghai International Circuit reshaped drivers’ positions in Formula One. Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished in first position after completing all race laps. He has scored 25 points through the Mercedes team. His teammate George Russell finished second. At the same time, Lewis Hamilton is in third position behind Ferrari. Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc has finished fourth with 12 points. Oliver Bearman and Pierre Gasly are in P5 and P6, respectively.
Further down the order, Liam Lawson has finished seventh for Racing Bulls. Isack Hadjar scored in 8th position through the Red Bull Racing team. Carlos Sainz and Franco Colapinto finished in P9 and P10, respectively. However, the race also saw a top-tier driver retire due to major issues. One of the top-tier drivers, Max Verstappen, lost his power during the race. His car experienced an ERS coolant failure and retired, resulting in a DNF.
F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2026-Suzuka International Racing Course
Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda, aimed to make a major presence in the motorsport world in 1962. An idea to implement a dedicated racing circuit was developed with John Hugenholtz, who created the well-known Suzuka track. The circuit later joined the Formula 1 calendar in 1987. During its first race, Nigel Mansell crashed in qualifying and was unable to contribute. At the same time, Nelson Piquet took the championship that year.
The Suzuka International Circuit features a high-speed track, a premier driving challenge, and a famous ‘S’ curve. The circuit has seen ultimate F1 moments and a unique home fan base dedicated to the sport. Over the decades, this circuit has built a reputation as one of the most respected tracks on the calendar. From the spectator’s perspective, the ‘S’ curves are one of the best views to see a driver’s skill in precision. Another excellent sightseeing spot is Grandstand G, located near the iconic 130R corner, where fans can see cars approach at incredible speed. After that, one of the major highlights of the grandstand gives a glimpse of the hairpin turn.
Circuit Length
5.807 km
Race Distance
307.471 km
Number of Laps
53
In the past, Max Verstappen has finished on the podium in first place with a pole position start. His duration is 1:26.983 from the Red Bull Racing-Honda team. With the upcoming race approaching, the question remains: who will take the next champion at Suzuka?
In the fastest-lap record category, Andrea Kimi Antonelli holds the record with a 1:30.965 time duration on the 50-lap record. The Japanese GP at Suzuka features average speeds exceeding 225-230 km/hr during race conditions. Now, will Kimi Antonelli grab another win, or will newcomers allow it?
Live Stream for the Japanese Grand Prix 2026
In Finland, viewers can follow the race on DAZN, which offers exciting motorsport coverage. Some other options are Viaplay V Sport 1 to access the Formula One flashes.
Don’t miss out; the Australian audiences can tune in through Foxtel, Kayo, and Fox Sports. The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix will deliver every twist and turn of the race weekend.
In India, the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix will be live-streamed on FanCode, and F1 TV will provide its services.
The Japanese Grand Prix live stream on Canal+ for the Formula One Championship. At the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, Canal+ is the top motorsport channel for French F1 fans.
Watch the Japanese Grand Prix 2026 live on Fuji TV and DAZN for all Japanese viewers. Both platforms will provide extensive coverage on race day.
In the United States, the race event will be broadcast on Apple TV+, which offers additional full coverage.
In the United Kingdom, F1 fans can see the action live on Sky Sports. These highlights and selected coverage will also be available on Channel 4.
The Formula One race will be broadcast live on Sky New Zealand. Stay tuned for expert analysis and the latest updates for motorsport fans.
Fans can also follow the race via live streaming on bet365, where eligible users may access live coverage on race day.
F1 Schedule for Japanese Grand Prix 2026
March 27, 2026 (Friday)
Event
Session
Time
Ferrari Challenge Japan
First Practice Session
09:00 – 09:45
FIA
F1 Car Presentation
10:00 – 11:00
FORMULA 1
FIRST PRACTICE SESSION
11:30 – 12:30
Porsche Carrera Cup Japan
Practice Session
13:00 – 13:45
Formula 1
Teams’ Press Conference
13:30 – 14:30
FORMULA 1
SECOND PRACTICE SESSION
15:00 – 16:00
Ferrari Challenge Japan
Qualifying Session
16:30 – 17:00
March 28, 2026 (Saturday)
Event
Session
Time
Porsche Carrera Cup Japan
Qualifying Session
10:20 – 10:50
FORMULA 1
THIRD PRACTICE SESSION
11:30 – 12:30
Ferrari Challenge Japan
First Race (30 Mins +1 Lap)
13:10 – 13:45
FORMULA 1
QUALIFYING SESSION
15:00 – 16:00
Formula 1
Press Conference
16:00 – 17:00
F1 Experiences
F1 Experiences Champions Club Trophy Photo & Grid Walk
17:15 – 18:15
March 29, 2026 (Sunday)
Event
Session
Time
Ferrari Challenge Japan
Second Race (30 Mins +1 Lap)
09:40 – 10:15
Porsche Carrera Cup Japan
Race (12 Laps or 30 Mins +1 Lap)
10:55 – 11:30
Formula 1
Drivers’ Parade
12:00 – 12:30
Formula 1
National Anthem
13:44 – 13:46
FORMULA 1
GRAND PRIX (53 LAPS OR 120 MINS)
14:00 – 16:00
Note—Suzuka is 9 hours ahead of UTC. Timetable subject to change.
F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2026: Predictions
George Russell
Since joining Mercedes in 2022, George Russell has established himself as a key part of the team’s driver lineup. George Russell has the strategic moves to support his car’s performance throughout the season.
After the era of Lewis Hamilton, Russell is widely seen as a future leader for the Mercedes team. His aggressive overtaking attempts have led to collisions or penalties. Russell’s team radio messages during races can sometimes reflect upset in difficult situations. George Russell will develop into a potential championship contender as he prepares for upcoming races.
Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen is widely regarded as one of the fastest drivers in Formula One. He is capable of maximum performance from his car in both qualifying and race conditions. Verstappen has a fearless overtaking ability that challenges his rivals and positions him even in difficult situations. He has an excellent form and defensive driving, which helps him control races effectively.
However, his aggressive driving style could impact his lead experiences in the track, particularly during intense clashes. His combination of raw speed, aggressive race craft, and strong championship mentality makes him one of the top drivers in F1. His teammate, Isack Hadjar, also contributed to Red Bull Racing’s dominance.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton started his racing career in karting at a young age. He made his F1 debut in 2007 with McLaren, winning the championship in 2008. Over the years, his milestone achievements have continued to grow. He is still one of the most successful drivers in the standings. He has displayed toughness, speed, and consistency in his championship battles in Formula One. Lewis Hamilton has experience in high-pressure situations, which has helped him win. He has also become a major global figure in motorsport, especially in Formula One.