F1 Race Schedule
2026 Formula 1 · Round 3

Japanese Grand Prix 2026 Schedule, Times & Results

Suzuka's 5.807-kilometre figure-eight is a sequence, not a collection of isolated corners. Check the standard FP1-to-race timetable in your timezone, then follow how the Esses, Degners, Spoon and 130R make one small loss of rhythm echo across the lap.

Round 3 Mar 27–Mar 29, 2026 Completed Standard weekend

The weekend is complete. Choose a session below to see the full classification and lap details.

Race video & official highlights

Japanese Grand Prix 2026 Race Video: Highlights & Review

Play an independent post-race review here, or open Formula 1's official highlights on YouTube. The official race footage cannot be played inside third-party websites.

Independent race review

Our 2026 Japanese Grand Prix Race Review

Published by P1 with Matt & Tommy · March 29, 2026

Open on YouTube ↗

The embedded review is independent commentary from P1 with Matt & Tommy. Official Formula 1 highlights open on YouTube because Formula One Management does not permit that footage to play inside this site. Regional availability can still vary.

Race day

March 29, 2026

Sun, Mar 29 · 2:00 PM JST

Circuit

Suzuka

Suzuka, Japan

Weekend format

Standard weekend

Three practice sessions lead into qualifying and the Grand Prix.

Track type

Permanent

Local circuit time uses Asia/Tokyo.

Complete weekend timetable

Japanese Grand Prix 2026 Schedule

Session times are shown in your timezone. Switch to track time if you are at the circuit or following local coverage.

FP1

Practice 1

The opening practice session for first setup runs and an early look at track conditions.

StartFri, Mar 27 · 02:30 UTC
Scheduled finish2026-03-27T03:30:00Z
RACE

Race

The Grand Prix and main points-paying race of the weekend.

StartSun, Mar 29 · 05:00 UTC
Scheduled finish2026-03-29T07:00:00Z
Fan-first race guide

What to Know About the Japanese Grand Prix 2026

Suzuka rhythm guide

The first mistake in the Esses is rarely the last one

Suzuka crosses over itself to form Formula 1's only figure-eight layout, but the distinctive shape matters less to lap time than the links between corners. A late line in the opening Esses compromises the next change of direction; a poor Spoon exit follows the car all the way toward 130R and the final chicane.

  • Degner One rewards commitment, while Degner Two punishes a car that arrives off line.
  • The final chicane is a braking opportunity and the last chance to repair a lap before the line.
What to read in practice

High-speed consistency matters more than one spectacular sector

Japan uses the normal three-practice format in 2026, giving teams time to separate qualifying balance from 53-lap tyre behaviour. Fans should watch whether a driver can repeat clean sector-one laps and hold the front tyres through long corners rather than judging the car from a single low-fuel run.

  • Qualifying track position is valuable because the narrow, fast sequence makes following closely difficult.
  • Turn 1 and the final chicane are the clearest conventional passing areas; Spoon exit helps set up both straight-line runs.
A full Suzuka day

The venue timetable starts before Formula 1 does

Suzuka publishes gate openings, support races, driver-stage appearances and fan-zone programming alongside the five Formula 1 sessions. Use that complete timetable to choose an arrival time, then allow for long walks and elevation changes between viewing areas inside the circuit.

  • Download the circuit map before travel so gates, shuttle points and your grandstand remain available offline.
  • Comfortable shoes and a light, organised bag save time on a large site with busy race-day queues.

Watch and save the Japanese Grand Prix schedule

Find legal TV coverage for your country or add every session to your calendar.

Official event name: FORMULA 1 ARAMCO JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2026

Quick answers

Japanese Grand Prix 2026 FAQ

Is the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix a Sprint weekend?

No. Suzuka uses the standard format: FP1 and FP2 on Friday, FP3 and qualifying on Saturday, then the 53-lap race on Sunday.

Why is Suzuka described as a figure-eight circuit?

One part of the lap crosses above another on a bridge. The two sections never meet at track level, but the crossover gives Suzuka its unique figure-eight plan.

When is the Japanese Grand Prix 2026?

The race weekend runs Mar 27–Mar 29, 2026. The Grand Prix is scheduled for Sun, Mar 29 · 2:00 PM JST.

What time does the Japanese Grand Prix start?

The race starts at Sun, Mar 29 · 2:00 PM JST. Use the timezone controls above for US Eastern, Central, Pacific, UK or track time.

Is the Japanese Grand Prix a Sprint weekend?

No. It follows the standard FP1, FP2, FP3, qualifying and race format.

Where can I find the Japanese Grand Prix results?

Completed session results are linked in the schedule and results sections above, including the full classification for each available session.