Round three of the 2026 Formula 1 season heads to one of the most iconic venues on the calendar — the Suzuka Circuit in Japan — for the Japanese Grand Prix. Set to take place from March 27 to 29, 2026, the race weekend promises high-speed drama, legendary corners, and intense championship implications as the sport’s biggest teams battle for supremacy.

A Legendary Venue: The Suzuka Circuit

Often cited by drivers as their favorite track, the 3.6-mile Suzuka Circuit is renowned for its unique figure-of-eight layout and relentless sequence of high-speed corners. Named after famed engineer John Hugenholtz, the circuit challenges both driver precision and car performance like few others.

Iconic sections such as the Esses, Degner Curves, Spoon, and the breathtakingly fast 130R demand bravery, balance, and split-second decision-making. With Honda ownership and deep historical ties to Japanese motorsport, Suzuka has hosted F1 in all but four seasons since its debut in 1987.

In recent years, the race moved from its traditional late-season slot to an early April date, allowing fans to enjoy the spectacle amid Japan's famed cherry blossom season.

Weather Forecast: Cool and Dry

Rain has historically played a role at Suzuka, often adding drama to the Japanese Grand Prix. However, the current forecast for the 2026 race weekend predicts dry conditions throughout. Temperatures are expected to remain in the high teens Celsius across the three days, offering stable track conditions for teams to fine-tune their setups.

Racing Schedule and UK Start Times

All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with select coverage also available on Sky Sports Main Event. Here is the full schedule (all times BST):

• Thursday, March 26
  • 4:00 AM – Drivers' Press Conference
  • 7:00 AM – Paddock Uncut
• Friday, March 27
  • 2:00 AM – Japanese GP Practice One (session starts at 2:30 AM)
  • 4:30 AM – Team Bosses' Press Conference
  • 5:45 AM – Japanese GP Practice Two (session starts at 6:00 AM)
  • 7:15 AM – The F1 Show
• Saturday, March 28
  • 2:15 AM – Japanese GP Practice Three (session starts at 2:30 AM)
  • 5:00 AM – Qualifying Build-Up
  • 6:00 AM – JAPANESE GP QUALIFYING
  • 8:00 AM – Ted's Qualifying Notebook
• Sunday, March 29
  • 4:30 AM – Race Build-Up – Grand Prix Sunday
  • 6:00 AM – THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
  • 8:00 AM – Japanese GP Reaction – Chequered Flag
  • 9:00 AM – Ted's Notebook

Team Outlook: Mercedes in Strong Form

Mercedes arrives in Suzuka on a high after securing one-two finishes in the first two rounds of the 2026 season. George Russell leads the championship, while rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli — F1’s newest race winner following his impressive victory in China — will look to build momentum against his experienced teammate.

Ferrari looms as the most likely challenger, eager to convert their consistent third- and fourth-place finishes in Australia and China into a long-awaited victory. Their last win at Suzuka came in 2004 with Michael Schumacher, and the team is determined to break their drought.

Red Bull faces a tougher challenge. Max Verstappen has been unbeaten at Suzuka in both qualifying and the race since F1’s post-pandemic return in 2022, but the team has struggled for pace early in the 2026 season. Verstappen will need a significant step forward to contend this year.

Meanwhile, McLaren hopes to simply make the race start after suffering a double DNF (Did Not Finish) in Shanghai, highlighting reliability concerns that need urgent resolution.

How to Watch or Stream the Japanese GP in the UK and Ireland

Fans in the UK and Ireland have comprehensive coverage options:

• Sky Customers: Watch every session live on Sky Sports F1, from first practice to post-race analysis. Use the Sky Sports app to stream live, access onboard camera angles, and sign in with your Sky iD.
• Non-Sky Customers: Stream the entire weekend via NOW, with flexible Day or Month memberships — no contract required. NOW gives access to all 12 Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+ streams.
• Live Blog: Follow real-time updates on the move via Sky Sports’ dedicated F1 live blog.
• Highlights: Catch full race highlights shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app, free for all users.

For detailed help with Sky iD setup or membership options, visit the NOW website.

Extended Break After Suzuka

With the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix canceled in April, the Japanese GP marks the final Formula 1 action for five weeks. This extended gap places added importance on strong performances at Suzuka, as teams return to factory development before the European leg resumes.

Fans are encouraged to soak in every moment of what promises to be a thrilling and visually stunning race weekend at one of motorsport’s most revered circuits.