Everything You Need to Know Before Watching the Japanese Grand Prix

Introduction to the Japanese Grand Prix

The Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most iconic races on the Formula 1 calendar. Hosted at the legendary Suzuka International Racing Course, this race has been a staple of F1 history since it first joined the championship in 1976. Known for its figure-eight layout, high-speed corners, and unpredictable weather, Suzuka challenges even the best drivers. Over the years, the track has witnessed intense championship battles, making it a must-watch race for fans.

Track Overview – Suzuka Circuit

• Track Length: 5.807 km (3.608 miles)

• Race Distance: 53 laps (307.471 km total)

• Lap Record: 1:30.983 (Lewis Hamilton, 2019)

Suzuka is one of the most technically demanding circuits on the F1 calendar, requiring precision and confidence. Some of its most famous sections include:

• The Esses (Turns 3–6) – A series of fast, flowing turns that test a driver’s ability to maintain balance and control.

• Degner Curves (Turns 8 & 9) – Tight corners where mistakes are common due to limited run-off areas.

• Spoon Curve (Turns 13 & 14) – A long, sweeping corner critical for a good exit onto the straight before 130R.

• 130R (Turn 15) – A legendary high-speed left-hander taken at nearly full throttle.

• Casio Triangle (Turns 16 & 17) – A tight chicane that offers the last real overtaking opportunity before the start-finish line.

Fun Fact: The Suzuka International Racing Course was first designed as a Honda test track in 1962 by Dutchman John "Hans" Hugenholtz, and is the only track to have a figure-of-eight layout.

Tire Strategies & Weather Conditions

Suzuka is known for its high tire wear, mainly due to the high-speed corners that put significant stress on the tires and wear them down. Pirelli usually brings the hardest tire compounds to withstand these conditions.

Weather is a crucial factor at Suzuka. April in Japan can bring unpredictable conditions, including heavy rain, which has historically affected races (e.g., 2014, when Typhoon Phanfone delayed the Grand Prix). Wind can also impact car balance, making setup decisions tricky for teams.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4 – FP1 AND FP2

Conditions: Sunny and dry all day. A bit breezy in the afternoon with gusts up to 30-40kph. FP1: 14°C // FP2: 15°C

Maximum temperature expected: 16 Celsius

Minimum temperature expected: 7 Celsius

Chance of rain: 0%

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 – FP3 AND QUALIFYING

Conditions: Mostly sunny and dry conditions expected for both sessions. Increasing clouds expected in the evening with a cold front approaching from the west. Light southeasterly wind for both sessions. FP3: 15°C // Q: 15°C

Maximum temperature expected: 16 Celsius

Minimum temperature expected: 6 Celsius

Chance of rain: 20%

SUNDAY, APRIL 6 – RACE

Conditions: Cloudy with a cold front expected to cross the area in the second part of the night (2-10mm overall). Showers likely in the morning, then improvement expected in the afternoon. Slight chance of showers for the race. Race start: 17°C

Maximum temperature expected: 18 Celsius

Minimum temperature expected: 11 Celsius

Chance of rain: 80%

Key Teams & Drivers to Watch

• Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Suzuka’s fast corners suit Red Bull’s strengths, making Verstappen a strong contender.

• George Russell (Mercedes) – Russell has been performing very well this season, and clearly feels confident in the car's abilities. Will he have the speed to keep up with the Mclarens and make Mercedes a contender for the Constructors Championship?

• Charles Leclerc & Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – The Shanghai GP was not a good weekend for Ferrari fans. Will Ferrari be able to brush themselves off and get back on the horse again?

• Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – McLaren is currently leading the Contructors and shows great promise this season.

• Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – The Japanese driver will be making his debut in the senior Red Bull team, racing in front of his home fans.

• Liam Lawson (RB Honda) – This driver was recently "demoted" to the junior Red Bull team, although fans should see it as an opportunity for him to prove himself.

DRS & Overtaking Opportunities

Suzuka is not the easiest track for overtaking, but there are key spots where moves can be made:

• Main Straight (Start/Finish Line DRS Zone) – Helps drivers close the gap heading into Turn 1.

• Back Straight (Leading into 130R & Casio Triangle) – The second DRS zone, which helps set up overtakes into the final chicane.

• Turn 1 – A common overtaking spot if a driver gets a good slipstream down the main straight.

• Casio Triangle (Turns 16 & 17) – A sharp chicane where late braking can create overtaking chances.

My Fantasy Teams

My Fantasy Teams did really well last GP, however, the Tsunoda-Lawson switch prompted me to make one minor change. Actually, not minor, I activated the Limitless chip for my Strawberry Piastri team and gave it a major advantage by buying the top drivers.

Memorable Moments at Suzuka

Suzuka has produced some of the most legendary moments in F1 history:

• 1989 – Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost collide at the chicane, handing Prost the championship.

• 1990 – Another Senna-Prost clash, this time at Turn 1, with Senna winning the title controversially.

• 2000 – Michael Schumacher wins, securing Ferrari’s first championship in 21 years.

• 2014 – Heavy rain and poor visibility lead to a tragic accident involving Jules Bianchi, leading to major safety improvements in F1.

• 2022 – Max Verstappen wins in chaotic wet conditions and is unexpectedly crowned champion due to a points rule confusion.

How to Watch & Timing Info

To fully enjoy the Japanese Grand Prix, here’s the schedule (local Japan time, GMT+9):

• Friday (Apr 04) – Free Practice 1 & 2

• Saturday (Apr 05) – Free Practice 3 & Qualifying

• Sunday (Apr 06) – Race Day!

Where to Watch:

• F1 TV Pro – Worldwide streaming

• Sky Sports F1 – UK coverage

• ESPN – USA

• Fuji TV/Dazn Japan – Japanese broadcast

Now that you're equipped with everything you need to know, get ready for an action-packed Japanese Grand Prix! I for one, think that this race will be the most exciting one yet given the driver switch-ups and unpredictable weather conditions!

 If you have not done so already, make your predictions here: https://f1predict.formula1.com/en