Japan F1 Tickets

History of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix

The Japanese Grand Prix has been part of the Formula One World Championship since 1976 when it was held at the Fuji Speedway before being removed from the F1 calendar for a decade. Formula One returned to Japan in 1987 at the Suzuka Circuit and remained there for 20 years. In 1994-5, Japan joined the exclusive list of countries to host multiple Formula One events in the same season, by adding the Pacific Grand Prix at the Okayama International Circuit. Toyota and Honda, owners of Fuji and Suzuka respectively, agreed to alternate between circuits in 2007, but this would only stand until 2009 when Suzuka took over full-time and has hosted the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix ever since.

The Japanese Grand Prix has been the host of 13 title-deciding races, including Ayrton Senna in 1988, 1990 1991, Sebastian Vettel in 2011, and Max Verstappen in 2022. Since 2024, the race has been held towards the start of the season, but it’s still the perfect race to secure Formula One tickets.

The 2020 and 2021 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Suzuka is set to host the event until 2029. Check out the information below to find out how to secure your tickets to the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix as well as top travel tips and grandstand recommendations.

How to Buy Japan F1 tickets for the Grand Prix 2026

Fanatix is the place to secure your 2026 Japan F1 tickets.

Japanese Grand Prix Information

2026 Japanese Grand Prix Schedule

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix runs from March 27-29. Times provided are local:

• Friday 27th 11:30-12:30: Practice 1
• Friday 27th 15:00-16:00: Practice 2
• Saturday 28th 11:30-12:30: Practice 3
• Saturday 28th 15:00-16:00: Qualifying
• Sunday 29th 14:00: Race

Previous Winners Japan F1

Below are the key results from the last three editions of the race, including podium finishers, pole position and fastest lap.

2025 Japanese Grand Prix Summary

Max Verstappen secured his first victory of the 2025 season and his fourth consecutive win at Suzuka, narrowly fending off intense pressure from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The race was a strategic battle, highlighted by a close pit-lane encounter where Norris briefly veered onto the grass while challenging Verstappen for the lead. Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli made history as the youngest-ever driver to lead a lap and set the fastest lap in his debut. Behind the top three, Charles Leclerc and George Russell rounded out the top five, while Yuki Tsunoda finished 12th in his first home race for Red Bull.

Repeat winners

6 – Michael Schumacher (1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004)
5 – Lewis Hamilton (2007, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018)
4 – Max Verstappen (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
4 – Sebastian Vettel (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
2 – Gerhard Berger (1987, 1991)
2 – Ayrton Senna (1988, 1993)
2 – Damon Hill (1994, 1996)
2 – Mika Häkkinen (1998, 1999)
2 – Fernando Alonso (2006, 2008)

Circuit information

Location: Suzuka International Racing Course, 7992 Inoucho, Suzuka, Mie 510-0295, Japan
Surface: Asphalt
Length: 5.807 km (3.608 miles)
Turns: 18
Direction: Clockwise
Capacity: 155,000

Best grandstands at the Japanese Grand Prix

Main Grandstands (V1 + V2)

• Expensive tickets, but great views (TV access too) with covered and reserved seats
• Overlooks the main straight and gives you viewing access to the pitlane
• The lower section (V1) has more affordable tickets due to V2 being able to see more of the track
• Close to the F1 Fanzone for off-track entertainment

Grandstand Q2

• Reserved seating with TV screen access
• The best ‘bang for buck’ tickets for the whole circuit
• Amazing view of the famous 130R corner makes this grandstand an overtaking hotspot
• Seats at the top end of the grandstand can even see down to the first couple of turns

Grandstand Q1

• Budget-friendly ticket option
• Reserved seating but reduced TV screen access and no coverage
• One end of the grandstand has good viewing access to the Casio Triangle, but tickets on the other side have restricted viewing

Grandstand B2

• Mid-range tickets with reserved seating and TV access
• Another fan-favourite, these tickets allow you to overlook the first sector of the lap, around First Corner and through Snake
• A great overtaking/action hotspot

Travelling to Suzuka

Key information

• Driving is possible, but parking can be limited
• Suzuka is quite far from any major cities, so travelling to the circuit can take some time
• Most international flights will land in Tokyo at Narita (NRT) or in Osaka at Kansai (KIX), 280 miles and 99 miles respectively, before boarding a domestic flight to Chubu (NGO), which is only 50 miles from the circuit
• Japan is very cash-dependent, so make sure you have plenty of Yen with you
• Tokyo and Osaka high-speed rail is an affordable and efficient way to travel to the circuit once in Japan

Train

• Train travel is cheap in Japan. Day tickets are roughly £3 and a Japan Rail Pass can help streamline the process
• This is the preferred method of transport for ticket holders at the Japanese Grand Prix. Fast, efficient and reliable trains run frequently
• From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen line
• From Nagoya, take the Yokkaichi Station line and then take the Ise Railway to Suzuka Circuit Inō Station
• Shiroko Station is not the closest station to Suzuka but has express trains that can be convenient on race weekends

Bus

• Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto have buses running directly to Suzuka on race weekends
• Return tickets are around £7 and express routes can take as little as 15 minutes to arrive

FAQs about Japan F1 Tickets

How do I get to Suzuka Circuit?

Most fans stay in Nagoya or Osaka. From Nagoya, take the Kintetsu Railway to Shiroko Station (approx. 40–50 minutes) or the JR Mie Rapid train to Suzuka Circuit Ino Station. From Osaka, the Kintetsu Limited Express to Shiroko takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Once at Shiroko, a dedicated shuttle bus runs to the track, though many fans choose the 20-minute walk from the smaller Ino Station to avoid bus queues.

What is “Free Seating Friday”?

One of the best traditions at Suzuka is that most grandstand tickets (except for V1 and V2) allow for free seating on Friday. This means you can sit in almost any grandstand around the track to experience different vantage points during the practice sessions, regardless of where your reserved seat is for Saturday and Sunday.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks into the circuit. However, glass bottles and cans are strictly prohibited for safety reasons. Suzuka is famous for its excellent trackside food, including the “Suzuka Tire Black Curry,” so many fans prefer to eat on-site. Alcohol is sold at the venue but cannot be brought in from the outside.

Is there a “Track Invasion” after the race?

Suzuka does host a track invasion, but it is typically restricted. Usually, only fans with tickets for the V1 and V2 Grandstands (on the main straight) are permitted onto the start/finish straight for the podium ceremony. However, other gates around the track often open later to allow fans to walk parts of the circuit once it is officially cleared.

What are the “West Area” tickets?

The West Area ticket is Suzuka’s version of General Admission. It covers the back half of the circuit, including the iconic 130R corner and the Spoon Curve. There are no reserved seats here, but the viewing areas are excellent. We recommend bringing a portable folding chair or a sitting mat, as the viewing spots are mostly grassy banks.

Are the grandstands covered?

Only the V2 Grandstand (Main Straight) and parts of the B and Q stands have roof covers. Because the race has moved to a spring date (March/April), the weather can be quite changeable. We recommend bringing layers and a high-quality rain poncho, as umbrellas are generally discouraged in the stands to avoid blocking the view of others.

Can I visit the amusement park with my F1 ticket?

Yes! Suzuka Circuit is part of a larger mobility theme park. Most F1 tickets include admission to the “Motopia” amusement park area. This makes the Japanese Grand Prix one of the most family-friendly races on the calendar, as there are plenty of rides and activities for children right next to the grandstands.

Is there public Wi-Fi at the circuit?

While there is some public Wi-Fi near the main grandstands and GP Square, it can become very slow due to the high volume of fans. We strongly recommend renting a portable “Pocket Wi-Fi” device or purchasing an eSIM before arriving in Japan to ensure you can access digital tickets and transportation schedules.