The 2026 Formula 1 season reaches its third round at the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix, from 27–29 March. Mercedes arrive at one of the most technically demanding tracks on the calendar having dominated the opening two weekends, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli yet to be beaten across the first two grands prix.
Russell took victory in Melbourne and the Chinese sprint race, before 19-year-old Antonelli stepped up to claim his maiden grand prix win in Shanghai. Ferrari have been the closest challengers so far, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton both making the podium in the opening rounds. Japan will be followed by an unplanned five-week break after the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, making Suzuka all the more important for teams eager to close the gap to Mercedes.
Race and Session Times (GMT)
Suzuka follows the traditional three-day format, with practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the grand prix on Sunday. Note that the clocks go forward in the UK this weekend, so Sunday’s session times switch to BST.
Friday, 27 March (GMT):
First Practice: 02:30–03:30
Second Practice: 06:00–07:00
Saturday, 28 March (GMT):
Third Practice: 02:30–03:30
Qualifying: 06:00–07:00
Sunday, 29 March (BST):
Race: 06:00
Weather Forecast
Conditions at Suzuka look set to be calm and dry throughout the weekend. Friday’s practice sessions and Saturday’s qualifying should be sunny with light winds and temperatures around 18°C — ideal for teams continuing to gather data on the new 2026 cars. Sunday’s race, which gets underway at 14:00 local time, is expected to be slightly warmer at 19°C with some cloud cover at lights out, though no rain is forecast.
Paddock News: Wheatley Exits Audi
Off the track, there has already been a notable managerial shake-up just two races into the new season. Audi team boss Jonathan Wheatley departed the team with immediate effect last week for what the German manufacturer described as personal reasons. The 58-year-old Englishman is understood to be in talks with Aston Martin over becoming their team principal, working alongside managing technical partner Adrian Newey — with a return to the UK said to be part of the appeal after his time based at Audi’s chassis headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland. In his absence, Mattia Binotto takes on the team principal role at Audi in addition to his existing responsibilities as head of the F1 project.
What to Expect
The 5.807km Suzuka Circuit is widely regarded as one of the greatest challenges in Formula 1, with its legendary figure-of-eight layout combining high-speed sweepers like the Esses and Spoon Curve with the fearsome 130R and the demanding final chicane. Under the new 2026 regulations, energy management and active aerodynamics will be tested to their limits around a track that demands both mechanical precision and driver bravery. With the enforced break that follows this race, every team will be treating Suzuka as a crucial data-gathering exercise as much as a points opportunity. Can anyone find a way to beat Mercedes? And can McLaren — who have yet to score a single point in 2026 — finally get both cars to the finish line?
